Author: Alastair Blackwood
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The Roman Empire Had a Tax on Urine
In ancient times, the Roman Urine Tax was a standout policy. It was called vectigal urinae and was a unique way to manage the empire’s economy. Emperor Nero started it in the 1st century AD, focusing on human waste as a tax source. The Roman Empire was famous for its architecture and military strength. By…
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Palm Trees Symbolized Victory in Ancient Rome
In Ancient Rome, palm trees were more than just plants. They were symbols of triumph and glory. They meant success and achievement to the Romans. Palm branches were given to winners in battles and public events. This made the palm tree a symbol of victory. The word “palma” in Latin meant victory. Coins, sculptures, and…
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Wilbur and Orville Wright Only Flew Together Once
The Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, are famous aviation pioneers. They made history with their first powered flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Despite being close partners, they only flew together once in their careers. On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made the world’s first powered flight. This event changed aviation forever. But, a…
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Marie Curie Gave Her Nobel Prize Medals to the WWI Effort
Marie Curie was a brilliant scientist known for her work on radioactivity. She was born in Warsaw in 1867. Her work went far beyond her discoveries. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only one to win in two fields. When World War I hit Europe, Curie showed her true…
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Dynamite Was Invented by the Nobel Prize’s Founder
Alfred Nobel was born in 1833 in Sweden. He made a big discovery that changed the world. His work on dynamite changed how construction and mining were done. Nobel grew up in Stockholm and later in St. Petersburg. He got a great education. He learned many languages and loved chemistry and physics. This knowledge helped…
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Theodore Roosevelt Had Over 40 Pets in the White House
The White House became a lively zoo during Theodore Roosevelt’s time as president. From 1901 to 1909, he filled the mansion with over 40 animals. This included everything from common pets to exotic ones, making the White House a unique place. Roosevelt loved animals, and it showed in his collection of pets. The White House…
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The First Traffic Light Used Gas Lamps
In Victorian London’s busy streets, a new invention changed everything. The first traffic light, a gas-powered signal, started in December 1868 outside the British Parliament. This device was a big step towards better traffic control and sustainable cities. John Peake Knight, a rail engineer, created this traffic light. It had two vertical arms and two…
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Leonardo da Vinci Often Wrote in Mirror Script
The Renaissance era was full of geniuses, but Leonardo da Vinci was a true polymath. He excelled in art, science, and engineering. His use of mirror writing was one of his most fascinating habits. This backwards writing technique has captured the interest of scholars for centuries. Da Vinci’s mirror writing was a special kind of…
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President Andrew Jackson Participated in Up to 100 Duels
Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president, was known for his bravery. He was called “Old Hickory” and was famous for his many duels. These duels were often over insults to his wife Rachel. Jackson’s love for dueling was a big part of the Southern culture back then. He got hurt a lot in these fights.…